Bierfest

Created in 2011 by the German Society and local drinks expert Marnie Old, Bierfest is jointly hosted by the ferocious female athletes of the skater-owned Philly Roller Derby, who proudly pour to raise funds for their ambitious national tournament schedule, and the German Society. Proceeds from Bierfest also benefit the Brewers of Pennsylvania, a trade advocacy group working to empower Pennsylvania brewers and serve the interests of Pennsylvania beer lovers. The event is held in late February, and honors our states cultural and historical ties to Germany, showcasing it through beer. Pennsylvania brewers from all across the state attend, pouring beers made in traditional German styles, as well as German importers pouring beers brewed in accordance with Germany's famous 1516 "Rheinheitsgebot" beer purity laws. Local homebrewers also get a chance to show off their German beer-inspired creations in the "Home Sweet Homebrau" taste-off. Local restaurants also participate, providing finger foods for attendees.

Bierfest includes educational aspects, as well, upstairs in our "Bierfest Academy." VIP Plus ticket holders get early access to a beer tasting seminar led by Marnie Old, and everyone is welcome to attend the afternoon's Brewer's Panel Discussion, where attending brewers discuss a different beer-related topic. Past topics include "The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of German Beer Styles" (2014), and "The German Connection: Pennsylvania’s Lager-Loving Terroir" (2016).